Resolute Mining, an Australian-listed miner, is considering a second gold processing plant at its $516 million Doropo project in Ivory Coast, a potential expansion that could help the Australian-listed miner lift annual production beyond 500,000 ounces as it builds its African gold portfolio.

The proposed facility would be developed at Kilosegui, about 30 kilometers from Doropo’s planned main processing plant. Resolute is assessing whether the deposit can support a standalone processing operation and tailings infrastructure, according to an investor presentation dated Wednesday.

Kilosegui holds 856,000 ounces

Kilosegui has an estimated ore reserve of 856,000 ounces of gold, making it the largest of the eight deposits included in Doropo’s mine plan. Resolute began exploration drilling at the prospect during the September quarter as it evaluates the potential for additional production capacity.

The proposed plant would be separate from Doropo’s existing development, which remains on schedule and within budget. The mine is expected to begin production in the first half of 2028, with average annual output forecast at 169,000 ounces over its planned 13-year operating life.

Doropo’s all-in sustaining cost is projected to average $1,472 per ounce. Resolute has committed $315 million, representing 61% of the project’s capital budget, and secured an additional $260 million in financing from local banks in Ivory Coast. It had drawn $29 million of that financing by Sept. 30.

ABC project adds growth potential

Resolute is also advancing its ABC gold project in Ivory Coast, which holds an inferred mineral resource of 3 million ounces. The company completed 23,900 meters of drilling across its exploration programme during the September quarter and expects to publish an updated resource estimate in the first quarter of 2027.

The miner plans to advance feasibility studies and submit a mining application for ABC by the end of 2027. Acquired alongside Doropo from AngloGold Ashanti in 2025, the project could eventually become Resolute’s fourth operating mine, adding another development asset to its West African portfolio.

Syama recovery remains critical

While its Ivory Coast projects offer longer-term growth, Resolute is working to restore production at its Syama gold mine in Mali after disruptions to explosives supplies and underground mining affected output.

Syama produced 31,777 ounces in the September quarter. Resolute expects production to improve to between 45,000 and 50,000 ounces in the final three months of the year, supported by more reliable explosives deliveries and improvements to processing operations.

The recovery remains important to the group’s near-term production outlook. Resolute forecasts total gold output of between 205,000 and 225,000 ounces in 2026, down from 277,000 ounces in 2025, reflecting the operational challenges that have weighed on its Mali operations.

$480 million supports expansion

Beyond Ivory Coast and Mali, Resolute is developing satellite deposits to extend the operating life of its Mako mine in Senegal. It is also pursuing exploration opportunities in Guinea through a joint venture with state-backed Nimba Mining Gold, broadening its exposure to gold deposits across West Africa.

Resolute Mining has more than 30 years of experience in African gold mining and has produced more than 9 million ounces from 10 gold mines.The company ended September with net cash of $276 million and available liquidity of $480 million, providing funding capacity for its development and exploration programme. With Doropo advancing toward its planned 2028 start, Resolute is positioning its Ivory Coast assets to become a larger contributor to group production over the coming years.